Enermax Gold: Modu87+ and Pro87+
by Christoph Katzer on January 19, 2010 1:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
We ring in the New Year with the introduction of some great new power supplies courtesy of Enermax. Enermax has always had a wide selection products ranging from mid- to high-end PSUs in a variety of wattages. Enermax is mostly active in the retail market so they've always had a good idea about how to design products that appeal to end-users. They have maintained a stable business in the retail market, especially in Germany. It comes as little surprise that Enermax was one of the fastest companies to introduce high efficiency power supplies to the market, with a lot of new features. That trend continues with their new 87+ series.
A little while ago Enermax introduced the Modu82+ and Pro82+ and we tested a total of four units. We thought it would be nice to continue with this trend and introduce all of the Modu87+ and Pro87+ series power supplies Enermax released this month. There is one feature on these new power supplies that helps them stand out in a crowded market: they are 80 Plus Gold certified. This alone doesn't make them unique as we already have many other 80 Plus Gold power supplies, but the Modu87+ and Pro87+ series both come with a starting wattage of 500W, making them far more interesting for a large number of end-users. Realistically, few systems really need a power supply that can output more than 500W, and getting a very high efficiency at common power draws is a bonus. Fortunately efficiency isn't the only noteworthy feature on these power supplies, but high efficiencies can only be reached with certain technologies. These technologies alone will make an overall better product out of a higher ranking 80 Plus certified power supply.
Both series are now available in three versions: of 500W, 600W, and 700W. There will be two more models rated at 800W and 900W in Q2 of this year. The good news is that the units we are introducing today have already been shipped and the first units should be on US shelves now or in the near future (we were unable to find any online as we publish this article). Enermax told us that there should also be some mail-in rebates and other incentives available to make these new power supplies even more attractive.
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strikeback03 - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
Probably because over 90% of the computers that exist are built by OEMs, and a high quality power supply is too expensive for that application. You are going to have a hard time selling consumers on "higher quality power" when that is something they expect to just work.7Enigma - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
A patent on a 140mm fan? Seriously? What a load of crap. They should have made the 139mm 139.9mm and put a big red F in their booklet with the name of the patent-holder. What is this world coming to?7Enigma - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
I have to say I am very pleased with the modular PSU's sticking with the same plug design. That would make cable management after installation a thing of the past which I think for 90% of us DIY builders is what keeps us from replacing a PSU mid-upgrade cycle. Instead just disconnect the cables from the old PSU, pop in the new one, and connect the cables again.I do want to mention a PSU I installed for my cousin about a month ago. I for the life of me can't remember the brand but it was definitely a high-end PSU. It was modular and instead of using the typical A/C plug style to connect the cables to the PSU, it had similar to a microphone plug; 3 pronged in a triangle fashion with a locking collar that you had to screw down. It was a VERY well manufactured piece and there was no issue with feeling the connection wasn't solid.
Anyways glad to see a PSU review again. I got burned a year ago when I jumped the gun on an early recommendation for a PSU you were just starting to test and have been unhappy with its rails and overall quality (Tuniq Potency). Penny-wise, pound-foolish and all. I've been trying to justify upgrading to a better PSU and I think the time has just about come. I just hate the though of doing the cable management again...definitely going to be getting a modular PSU again (previous to the Tuniq I had an Antec NeoPower 480w which was awesome in its day).
dukeariochofchaos - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
the best i can find these for is ~$240 for the 600watt, and ~$275 for the 700watt.so far, i can't find the 500, or any of the "pro" series.
i guess they figure somebody spending that much on a psu is only going for the top.
Christoph Katzer - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
Yes, unfortunately Enermax USA won't take all of these six units.strikeback03 - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
So does that mean we won't see the 500W units?Well, at least there is still Seasonic.
Christoph Katzer - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
I heard they will be bringing the Pro87+ 500 & 600W.dukeariochofchaos - Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - link
i have seen these come down in price in akihibara already.in the right places, they are ~$200 for the 600w, and ~$230 for the 700w.
i have also seen the "pro" models around for about $50 less for each.
cupoftea - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
I meant first paragraph.Hoist. Petard.
cupoftea - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
Pedant ON. Its not a square shape its an octagon, to match the octagonal hole for the fan and (most) of the metalwork forming the fan guard. Pedant OFF.